: Wow, That looks beautiful!!

: As a new builder, I've got to ask what kind of woods are you using?

: I love the contrasts.

: Thanks,
: Chuck Birch

Chuck, It is the standard Western red cedar, Eastern White cedar and Sitka spruce. All of these woods I purchased from Newfound Woodworks. Except the darker Red cedar I found at my local lumberyard. The only problem with buying sight unseen is you can't pick your colors. My dark might be your medium etc.
On my canoe I ordered 6- 1x6x18 Western Red cedar boards and got a beautiful contrast in color. Mixing and matching the colors is no big deal even for a beginner, "such as myself compared to most of these guys." Just plan ahead. Get a design that you think you can build and let it flow. I still look at my hands in disbelief. If it is not a God given talent, then it is a true blessing to be able to create something so many find attractive.
One final note, Be careful as everyone here will tell you, this is pretty addicting.

Happy building, Elliott